Falcons open at home against rival New Orleans

ATLANTA | The Atlanta Falcons will open the season hosting NFC South rival New Orleans on Sept. 7 and have prime-time games against Tampa Bay and Green Bay.

That's according to the schedule released Wednesday by the NFL.

Atlanta welcomes the Buccaneers for a Thursday night game Sept. 18 and travels to Lambeau Field for a Monday night game Dec. 8. In addition, the Falcons face Detroit at London's Wembley Stadium Oct. 26.

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